Saints opening form makes them bookies’ favourite

Aug 8 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

IN stark contrast to last season when their league campaign opened with four draws and a defeat, St Johnstone have enjoyed an encouraging first full week to the new term.

Bookies clearly expect their fine form to continue at Cappielow tomorrow where they kick off as VCBet’s 11/10 favourites to secure maximum points. Morton are priced at 9/4 by Sportingbet.

Saints excellent midweek win at Stenhousemuir suggests their strikers are in decent form and adds further appeal to the 7/1 posted by Sportingbet against a 2-0 away success.

However, given that Morton scored in each of the pair’s four league meetings last season (which produced 16 goals), punters might fancy adding a 2-1 outcome to their betting slip, especially as it’s priced at 8/1 by Blue Square. Those anticipating another goalfest can get a generous 6/4 (Betdaq) against the match yielding more than two goals and a hefty 16/1 (Partybets) in favour of it ending 2-2 as two meetings between the sides did last season. Online firm Jaxx.com price the draw at 5/2. Several firms have expanded their half-time markets this season and bet365 offer 3/1 against St Johnstone holding a 1-0 lead at 45 minutes; less precise punters may prefer the 9/5 available at Coral for the Saints to be in front at half-time.

Punters who suspect that a St Johnstone half-time lead will be duplicated in the second period can get 13/5 (Betdirect) against them being in front at 45 and at 90 minutes, although Betfred have attracted plenty of support for their 7/2 odds posted in favour of the Saints emerging victorious following a drawn opening half.

Supplied by Betrescue.com